The Pudding Stop

Nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire at the picturesque Battlers Green, a working farm and miniature shopping village for the comfortable middle classes, stands a beacon for all dessert lovers.

So, on a sunny spring Sunday we parked up in one of the farm’s many free spaces, relieved to not be contending with ‘two hour no return’ slots and £15 tickets, and followed the scent of dough and treacle until we reached The Pudding Stop.

An understated shop front seated in one of many barns, you could be forgiven for not expecting much. But as you enter you’re greeted by an inviting ambience that blends rustic charm with a cozy feel. 

The menu of this St Albans based business is a testament to a real passion for doing things properly, so rarely seen in this age of unicorn coloured, candy floss covered, freakshake cookie confections.

Each offering is carefully crafted, presenting a balance of flavours that are both comforting and exciting. Among the standout items are a brick-heavy slab of sticky toffee pudding, a moist date-laden cake smothered in a rich, buttery toffee sauce, a salted caramel peanut butter brownie so scrumptious looking that your mouth waters at a hundred paces away, and a perfectly flaky cinnamon bun.

And, impressively, at The Pudding Stop, no one is left behind. A beautiful mountain of lemon and polenta cake and a gooey chocolate brownie cater proudly for those with gluten intolerance, while an apple and cinnamon crumble cake and triple layer brownie give vegans a chance to indulge. Meticulously prepared and delightful as the rest of their menu, these are not poor relations to their other treats, but incredible additions that demonstrate the team’s commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy the pleasure of a good pudding.

Beverages at The Pudding Stop are thoughtfully selected to complement the treats. From robust coffees that cut through the sweetness to delicate teas that provide a refreshing counterpoint, making each bite and sip a harmonious affair.

We opted for butterscotch, raspberry white choc, salted caramel peanut, and triple layer brownies, a hunk of sticky toffee pudding and a couple of coffees to go. And, as there are no seats, munched on them happily as we strolled around the shops and took a look at the many excitable birds in the farm’s aviary.

The star of the show that day was without a doubt the salted caramel peanut brownie, The oven-crisped brownie top layer with the silky smooth salty caramel is an unbeatable combo which has left us scoffing dismissively in the face of Snickers evermore. 

And the ooey-gooey butter laden sticky toffee pudding which we froze and saved for Easter lunch with the family was, as our guests declared ‘The best pudding we’ve ever eaten’.

In essence, The Pudding Stop at Battlers Green Farm is more than just a dessert shop; it’s a sanctuary for those who cherish the joy of indulging in beautifully crafted desserts. It’s a place where every visit is a celebration of flavour, comfort, and the simple pleasures that sweet treats can bring.

Whether you’re a local resident or a traveller on a culinary quest, The Pudding Stop promises an experience that is both memorable and heartwarming, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a love for desserts.